Hi, I’m Marie miao.
I’m delighted that you’ve found your way here. Whether you are here for yourself or your loved one, I commend you for taking the first step to get help.
Maybe you are curious about exploring your innate creativeness or your deep desire for change. Maybe articulating feelings through words is difficult and seeking guidance from a licensed therapist brings curiosity. Whichever it may be, you have come to the right place.
At Kokoro Wellness, we help women in life transitions to find clarity and build resilience, to live a balanced and joy-filled life.
I understand the challenges and emotions that can arise when faced with anxiety, extended stress and life-altering traumas. The fear, isolation, and exhaustion can feel daunting. Please know that you are not alone.
Imagine a life where you are no longer holding back from your vision. A life where your inner critic is no longer in the driver’s seat. A life where you feel free to be who you are without questioning your worth. A life that is balanced and fulfilling for yourself. I believe wholeheartedly that this is not far within reach.
Together, we will navigate the complexities of your journey and help you rediscover your core desires.
I would be honored to be a guiding hand, to listen to your unique story, and to provide a safe space for you to express your fears, hopes, and dreams.
My STORY
Through my years of experience and knowledge in the medical field, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible transformations that can occur when individuals reclaim their power and embrace their journey.
So often after a traumatic experience, our brain limits our beliefs and capabilities. What I love about incorporating creative expression is it challenges our beliefs of “but, I’m not a creative person” and it provides a way for us to communicate when words are not enough.
If you have found yourself say this, I hear you and I can relate.
As a trauma-focused expressive arts therapist and an expressive arts practitioner myself, I still find myself challenging my limiting beliefs. The beauty of expressive arts is there is no right or wrong. There is no “too minimal” or “too dramatic”. It is a judgment-free zone.
Together, we will be curious. Curious to explore the resistance and joys. You deserve to be freed from your past traumas. You deserve to find relief.
I will meet you where you are, and together we will chart a path forward that aligns with your values and aspirations.
As an Asian identifying person, I also recognize the cultural and racial barriers that can play within Western society and how it can impact one’s individual journey.
I want you to envision a future where you are not defined by your trauma, but rather empowered by the resilience and wisdom you have gained from your journey.
A future where you are thriving, finding joy in the everyday moments, and pursuing the dreams that fuel your soul. It won’t always be easy, but I will be there every step of the way, offering guidance, support, and a listening ear.
Lastly, as a person who has experienced a life-altering medical trauma, I know firsthand the impacts it can create. I believe the journey towards healing is lifelong, one that requires consistent reflection and tweaking. However, the depth of growth to the start of inner healing is one that is immeasurable. I can say that it is truly worth the work, and I find joy in everyday life.
Fun Facts:
Growing up, I lived in Japan and Hong Kong. Those roots are still deeply engrained into who I am today. Part of my inner healing has been to discover where my body feels most at “home” traveling back and forth.
Keeping my hands busy is a big part of my own balance, one that has required practice, patience, and presence. When I intentionally find the time, I am immersed in all things creative in solitude or with my kids.
I enjoy immersing myself in self-help books, and integrating as much holistic and integrative care in my life as much as possible.
As a two-time Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) thrivor, I am a volunteer peer mentor to those currently with HG through the HER Foundation.
I serve on the Medical Advisory Board of Onco-Ballet allowing me to combine my love for dance and oncology.
My background
I have spent over a decade in the medical field of social work, specifically in hospice, palliative care, and oncology. When I was personally affected by cancer and experienced my own medical trauma, my passion only grew. What felt like a never-ending nightmare turned into something meaningful and purposeful after years of healing.
Kokoro in Japanese means heart. The deeper notion behind kokoro integrates the balance of mind, body, and spirit. When one is not aligned, our hearts find difficulty in balance. This is at the core value of Kokoro Wellness, and I believe in holistic integrative approaches to reach that balance.
By incorporating your innate creative expression while shifting the brain’s wiring of the traumatic response, you may feel less stuck because the world of your emotional experience has an outlet. This has been a tremendous part of my own healing journey, and I am humbled to be a source of guide to others.
Education & Credentials:
Bachelor of Social Work - California State University, Long Beach
Master of Social Work - University of Pennsylvania
Board of Behavioral Sciences - Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California
Board Certification Lifestyle Medicine Professional
Board of Oncology Social Work Certification
EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist
Trainings and Certifications:
Brainspotting Phase 1 Certification
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Certification
EMDR Therapy Protocols For Early Intervention & Ongoing Traumatic Stress
Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery (CLIMB) - Children and Teens Support Certificate
Enriching Communication Skills for Health Professionals in Oncofertility - Training Certificate
Applying Cognitive Behavioral and Related Interventions in Cancer Supportive Care - Training Certificate
Art4Healing Certificate Program - Brandman University
Healing Through Art - California State University Shiley Institute for Palliative Care
Reiki Training Level 1 & 2 (not currently used in session)
Holistic Nutritionist Certification
Holistic Cancer Coach Certification
Speaking Engagements:
UC Irvine School of Medicine Spirituality in Medicine Guest Lecturer
UC Irvine School of Medicine Hospice and Palliative Medicine Physician Fellowship Staff Wellness Grant Recipient - Preventing Vicarious Trauma & Burnout as Medical Professionals with EMDR Therapy
Onco-Ballet Micro Retreat - Somatic Exercises for Cancer Recovery
Onco-Ballet Anniversary - Panelist Speakers on the impact of movement and dance during cancer and beyond
Onco-Ballet Teacher Training - Moving With Care: Trauma-Informed Ballet Teaching for Dancers Facing Cancer
Press Mentions:
Parenting OC: Talking About Breast Cancer
LA Times Daily Pilot: When Cancer Afflicts a Parent, Hospital Program Helps Explain it to Their Children
ABC7 LA: Onco Ballet uses dance to help meet the mental and physical needs of people in the cancer community